from a release out of the office of U.S. Rep. John Fleming (R-Shreveport)…

Congressman John Fleming, M.D. announced today that House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (R-WA) has named him Chairman of the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs. The subcommittee is responsible for wildlife resources, coastal zone management/barrier protection, fisheries, marine monuments and oceanography including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“I am honored Chairman Hastings has selected me for this important assignment,” said Fleming. “The Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs plays a crucial role in many issues directly affecting our national resources.”

“I will be discussing the priorities of the subcommittee with Chairman Hastings at his soonest and start laying out our policy strategy for 2011 at my soonest.”

“I am pleased to appoint John Fleming to serve as Chairman of the Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs Subcommittee,” said House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (R-WA). “He’ll bring leadership and experience to this new role. John has a large National Wildlife Refuge presence within his Congressional District and he understands the unique economic challenges facing coastal communities ­ especially along the Gulf.”

Dr. John Fleming is Chairman of the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs and a is member of the House Armed Services Committee. He is a physician and small business owner and represents the 4th Congressional District of Louisiana.